PAOLO Di Canio has quashed suggestions that the addition of Alan McCormack has overloaded Swindon’s midfield options and instead will ensure his players fight every day to keep their place in the side.

McCormack is expected to complete his move to the Robins today by signing a two-year deal with the County Ground side.

The capture of the Irishman certainly came as something of a surprise, with Town already looking strong in the middle with skipper Oliver Risser, Jonathan Smith and Simon Ferry already competing for a place in the starting 11, while Di Canio has also confirmed that he believes Michael Timlin’s best position is in centre midfield, having predominately played him on the left in friendlies.

“I was playing Timlin on the left side and I know that is not the natural position for him and I can see him more in the middle,” said the Town boss. “He proved this at Supermarine for the 25 minutes in the second half he was much more comfortable there and was very good.”

With such a wealth of options, there will undoubtedly be one or two players disappointed that they are unlikely to be in the line-up for the League Two opener against Crewe on August 6.

But Di Canio stressed that no player can be guaranteed of starting any game and insists the competition for places that the signing of McCormack brings can only be a good thing for Town.

“We need four or five midfielders who can rotate because in a long season you can have injury,” he continued.

“We need to have physically strong players who will always challenge the opponents and McCormack is the kind of player, close to Risser, in that he is strong and can help his teammates to attack.

“McCormack can also cover for Risser if he is injured, because otherwise we have only Jonathan Smith who can challenge opponents.

“I need a good mix of players who have the different qualities for all situations.”

Di Canio has already suggested that he has in mind at least four players who will be the first names on his teamsheet, but warned that will not necessarily guarantee them from exclusion as the season progresses.

“I don’t have weak players, I have players who can challenge every position,” he said. “Seven or eight players are the pillars for me and this is normal at every club, but in the future you never know, anything can change in a minute.

“If the pillars become crazy or their attitudes change then they have to be wary they might be out of the side because they have to keep a good attitude, desire and ambition, otherwise I will select other players.

“They have to fight every day because the secret of a squad who wants to win has to behave the best and have a good attitude.”

Di Canio takes his side to Cirencester tonight (kick off 7:45pm) for Town's penultimate pre-season friendly against the Centurions.